ENSURE SAFE HOLY WEEK

HOUSE independent minority bloc leader and Leyte (1st District) Rep. Ferdinand Martin “FM” G. Romualdez yesterday called on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to make weather bulletins more accessible to many people during Holy Week. Romualdez said weather bulletins will ensure the safety of the travelling public especially now that typhoons had already entered the country during the first three months of the year, a period when these are least expected.

He said Pagasa should use all its access in media to make timely, accurate and regular reporting of weather conditions, adding the public should also do their own monitoring.

“Our concerned agencies, especially PAGASA, should double its efforts in providing weather updates to the public. We have to ensure the safety of the people who are travelling during Holy Week,” said Romualdez as he also urged the telecommunication firms to help in the dissemination of weather bulletin for free.

Quezon City Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo, who chairs the House committee on Metro Manila development, asked the concerned authorities to severely punish owners of bus firms who will violate, abuse and take advantage of possible shortage of buses and other means of transportation during the Holy Week at the detriment of the traveling public.

“We have to safeguard public interest. These acts not only violate the public utility and transportation laws but also risk the lives and safety of the riding public,” Castelo said.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe agreed with Castelo, saying “the public cannot afford to be misled by the false advertisement of a comfortable, safe and executive-class service of these bus liners.”

Batocabe said the annual deluge of passengers to and from Metro Manila and the provinces took place during the Lenten season, holidays, fiestas and vacation season.

He also urged operators of ships, ferries and boats to closely monitor weather disturbances in a bid to ensure the safety of passengers.

“Our concerned authorities should ensure the safe exodus of public observing the Holy Week,” Batocabe said.